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10 Best Laptop Backpacks in 2022

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Updated March 8, 2022

To find the best laptop backpacks for college students, travelers, and business professionals, you’ll need to determine the features that are right for you and your personal setup. We recommend that you favor laptop backpacks that are made with durable and long-lasting materials that offer some measure of water-resistance, just in case you get caught in the rain. Make sure to also consider how much room is available in the backpack you are thinking of buying, so you can be sure even 17-inch laptops can easily squeeze inside. When buying a laptop backpack, always look for a durable build, a light form factor, and plenty of room for all of your laptop and related items. To get a quality bag, you need to go for the best bags.

After analyzing hundreds of reviews amongst a multitude of products with varying price points and features, we’ve determined that the eBags Pro Slim is the best laptop backpack on the market today. Keep reading about this and our other top picks to learn more about the best bags available for purchase.

Top 10 Best Laptop Backpacks

 #1  eBags Pro Slim Laptop Backpack

Award: TOP PICK

WHY WE LIKE IT: Stylish laptop backpack that is ultra-durable and sturdy, with removable padding to allow it to accommodate even the largest of screens and availability in several fashionable designs.

Pros
  • Removable padding for larger screens
  • Available in several fashionable colors
  • Internal stash pocket and water bottle pocket
Cons
  • Slightly heavy, at 2lb
  • Polyester exterior not machine washable

The eBags Pro Slim is the best business laptop backpack, thanks to a high-grade and durable design that features removable padding, allowing it to easily accommodate any-sized laptop screen. We loved the internal stash pocket, for the storage of smartphones and related gadgets, and the dedicated pocket for water bottles. This backpack is also available in several fashionable colors, suiting nearly any aesthetic.

Though we liked that this bag can easily hold even a 17-inch laptop, it is on the heavier side, at nearly two pounds. Additionally, the polyester exterior does a decent job at resisting water, but it is not machine washable. It’s a great option for anyone looking for the best commuter backpack.

 #2  Herschel Heritage Laptop Backpack

Award: HONORABLE MENTION

WHY WE LIKE IT: Best laptop backpack for travel, thanks to an extremely light form factor, with an internal media pocket complete with a headphone port and an exterior made from heavy-duty polyester.

Pros
  • Extremely light, at just 1lb
  • Internal media pocket with headphone port
  • Internal stash pocket and water bottle pocket
Cons
  • Can only hold up to 15” laptops
  • No water bottle pocket

This Herschel Heritage Laptop Backpack is a great option for travel or for your daily commute, as it is extremely light, just one pound, and compact when not in use. We loved the series of useful pockets and compartments running throughout, which includes an internal media pocket complete with an integrated headphone port. This backpack is also made from durable and highly water-resistant fabric while featuring the company’s signature interior lining.

Though the media pocket is nice, there is no dedicated water bottle pocket here, which could be an issue for some. Also, the padded laptop sleeve can only accommodate screens up to 15-inches wide. For a bit more storage, you may want to consider the best travel backpack.

 #3  Incase EO Laptop Backpack

Award: BEST QUALITY

WHY WE LIKE IT: High-quality backpack with a robust feature set that includes a roomy interior, a padded laptop compartment that can accommodate 17-inch screens, and an adjustable and fully removable shoulder strap.

Pros
  • Includes adjustable shoulder strap
  • Roomy and can handle 17” screens
  • Triple-coated weather-resistant front panel
Cons
  • Extremely expensive
  • No waist strap

The Incase EO Laptop Backpack is a stunning and high-grade backpack with a bevy of sought after features, including an adjustable and removable shoulder strap and a triple-coated weather-resistant front panel. The laptop compartment can easily fit 17-inch screens and it features a lay-flat design for easy TSA access. We also liked the included adjustable shoulder strap, which is fully removable to offer carrying variety.

This is an extremely expensive laptop backpack, however, likely due to the high-quality materials and features on offer. Additionally, the shoulder strap and integrated back straps are fantastic, but this model does not include a waist strap, which may not suit certain consumers. You might also want to look at our best backpacks for work buying guide for additional options.

 #4  The North Face Borealis Laptop Backpack

Award: BEST DESIGN OPTIONS

WHY WE LIKE IT: Available in a wide variety, over 20, unique and aesthetically pleasing design options, with each bag featuring a dedicated water bottle pocket, a stash pocket, and an array of carrying options.

Pros
  • Water bottle and stash pockets
  • Suspension system with front elastic bungee straps
  • Waist belt and sternum strap
Cons
  • Slightly expensive
  • Laptop compartment maxes out at 15”

The North Face Borealis Laptop Backpack is built to suit a number of different aesthetic preferences, as this backpack is available in over 20 unique colors and bold designs. We loved the durable exterior and the number of pockets located throughout, which include a stash pocket and a dedicated water bottle pocket. This backpack also offers a variety of carrying options, thanks to a waist belt, a shoulder strap, a sternum strap, and traditional back straps.

Though we appreciated the generous 28-liter maximum capacity with this bag, the padded laptop sleeve can only accommodate screens up to 15-inches, which may not suit consumers who use larger laptops. Also, this is a slightly expensive backpack, compared to some models. For days you don’t need to transport your laptop, the best crossbody bag is another stylish option with great security features.

 #5  The North Face Jester Laptop Backpack

Award: BEST AESTHETICS

WHY WE LIKE IT: Gorgeous aesthetic design that is available in numerous colors, with a 15” shoulder drop, a pair of mesh water bottle pockets, and a breathable lumbar panel for superior comfort.

Pros
  • 15” shoulder drop
  • 2 mesh water bottle pockets
  • Breathable lumbar panel for comfort
Cons
  • Laptop compartment maxes out at 15”
  • Not too much water-resistance

The North Face Jester Laptop Backpack is a great option for the aesthetically demanding consumer, as this backpack is truly stunning to look at and is available in multiple colors, to suit nearly anybody out there. We appreciated the pair of mesh water bottle pockets, which can certainly come in handy, and the breathable lumbar panel on the back, for increased comfort. This backpack also boasts a 15-inch shoulder drop, allowing for a variety of carrying methods.

Though this backpack does include a padded and durable laptop sleeve, it can only accommodate screens up to 15-inches wide, which may not suit everyone. Additionally, there is not too much water-resistance here, so we’d be careful to not get caught out in the rain. For more weather-resistant options, you might also consider the best tactical backpack.

 #6  Incase Icon Laptop Backpack

Award: BEST DURABILITY

WHY WE LIKE IT: Incredibly durable and sturdy design, thanks to being constructed from heavy-duty 840D ballistic nylon, and featuring several comfort-enhancing innovations, such as a compression-molded back panel.

Pros
  • Compression-molded back panel for comfort
  • Padded and faux fur-lined laptop sleeve
  • Quick-access side pocket for tablets
Cons
  • Not too much color variety
  • On the expensive side

The Incase Icon Laptop Backpack is an extremely durable and long-lasting model, thanks to being made exclusively from heavy-duty 840D ballistic nylon, which helps to resist tears, rips, and punctures. We appreciated the compression-molded back panel and padded shoulder straps, for comfort, and the quick-access side pocket which is intended to store tablet computers. The laptop sleeve also offers excellent protection, as it is padded and lined with faux fur.

There is not too much design or color variety here, with only a few darker tones available for purchase. Also, this is an extremely expensive backpack, likely due to the high-grade materials, such as ballistic nylon. For the gym-goers, you might also want to check out our best gym bag buying guide. But if you need a bag pack that features individual inner and outer compartments, purchase the best range bag.

 #7  Matein Travel Laptop Backpack

Award: BEST PERSONAL SECURITY

WHY WE LIKE IT: Designed to resist theft and enhance personal security, with an integrated luggage strap and a hidden compartment for the storage of valuables, in addition to offering an integrated USB charging port.

Pros
  • Multi-panel ventilated padding
  • Integrated USB charging port
  • Available in 8 attractive designs
Cons
  • Laptop compartment maxes out at 15.6”
  • No sternum or hip strap

The Matein Travel Laptop Backpack is a great choice for consumers who worry about stolen valuables as they commute to and from work or go on trips, as this model features a hidden compartment for valuables and a luggage strap for affixing to larger and harder-to-steal items of luggage. We loved that this backpack is available in eight attractive color options and the ventilated paneling running throughout, which helps increase airflow and comfort.

Though the internal laptop compartment is durable and well-protected, it can only fit screens up to 15.6-inches wide, which may not suit every computer owner. Additionally, this backpack does not ship with a sternum strap or a hip strap, so those carrying methods are not available. If you’re especially security-conscious, our best RFID wallet buying guide has some great options to help protect your cards and identity.

 #8  Kopack Slim Laptop Backpack

Award: BEST COMFORT

WHY WE LIKE IT: Built for superior comfort during use, with soft oxford fabric running throughout and a pair of shoulder straps outfitted with high-elasticity sponge padding.

Pros
  • Water-resistant and tear-resistant
  • Lockable zipper to deter theft
  • Detachable USB charging port
Cons
  • Slim design built for feminine frames
  • Not much reinforcement for item protection

The Kopack Slim Laptop Backpack is an extremely comfortable bag, thanks to soft oxford fabric throughout both the interior and exterior and a pair of high-grade shoulder straps that have been outfitted with high-elasticity sponge padding. This backpack is also extremely water-resistant and tear-resistant, thanks to the quality material, in addition to featuring an integrated and fully detachable USB charging port. We also liked the lockable zipper, which helps to deter theft.

Though the design is comfortable, slim, and light, it has been manufactured to suit feminine frames, so some men might want to shop elsewhere. Also, this backpack does not feature a whole lot of reinforcement for the protection of the interior, which may be an issue for some consumers who tend to transport fragile items. Another option is looking into the best college backpacks which will offer similar features.

 #9  High Sierra RipRap Laptop Backpack

Award: BEST VALUE

WHY WE LIKE IT: Value-friendly backpack with a suite of robust features, including a generous 33-liter maximum capacity, a 15” shoulder drop, and a moisture-wicking and padded back panel.

Pros
  • Large 33-liter capacity
  • 15” shoulder drop for an easy carry
  • Moisture-wicking padded back panel for comfort
Cons
  • Can only fit laptops up to 15”
  • Plain black design may not suit all consumers

The High Sierra RipRap Laptop Backpack arrives at a value-conscious price while offering features in line with more expensive competitors, such as a generous 33-liter maximum capacity. We also appreciated the 15-inch shoulder drop, making for an easy carry, and the moisture-wicking padded back panel, which helps increase comfort and reduce sweat. We also liked

Though the max capacity here is particularly generous, the dedicated laptop sleeve can only accommodate screens up to 15-inches wide. Additionally, this backpack is only available in one color, black, and it features a relatively plain design. If you’ve got little ones at home, check out our best kids backpacks buying guide as well.

 #10  Xqxa Laptop Backpack

Award: BEST ON A BUDGET

WHY WE LIKE IT: Budget-friendly laptop backpack with some serious features, including multiple pockets running throughout, for smartphones and wallets, and availability in multiple sizes, with the largest easily able to fit a 17” laptop.

Pros
  • Multiple pockets for organization
  • Available in sizes to fit 17” laptops
  • Made from water-resistant polyester
Cons
  • No shoulder strap
  • Just 1 color, black

The Xqxa Laptop Backpack arrives at a price that won’t break the bank while offering features more in line with expensive competitors, such as availability in a wide array of sizes, with the largest easily accommodating a 17-inch laptop. We appreciated the number of pockets running throughout, allowing for easy storage of wallets, smartphones, jewelry, and other easy-to-lose items. We also liked that this backpack is made from highly water-resistant polyester.

Though we admired the padded top handle and back straps, for comfort, this backpack does not include an integrated shoulder strap, which could be a factor for some consumers. Also, we loved the numerous sizes available here, but this model is available in just one color, which is black. For additional water-resistant bag options, our best dry bag buying guide has some great options.

How We Decided

To help narrow down to the above list, we thoroughly researched a wide array of popular laptop backpacks, ensuring that they performed admirably when it came to the storage and protection of laptop computers and other daily essentials. To that end, we preferred backpacks with large padded laptop sleeves that could easily fit a wide array of screen sizes, including 17-inch laptops.

We liked laptop backpacks made from ultra-durable and sturdy materials, such as nylon or polyester, with plenty of tear-resistance and abrasion-resistance. We also made sure each backpack offered some level of water-resistance, so as to further protect your stored gadgets. We also liked models with plenty of padding running throughout, both for the protection of laptops and for increased comfort during a heavy carry.

As for pockets, we made sure that each of the above backpacks had plenty of pockets and compartments running throughout, offering dedicated space for water bottles, smartphones, and wallets, in addition to laptops and related accessories. Finally, we liked backpacks that were aesthetically pleasing, with bonus points awarded to models available in a wide variety of colors and design options.

Best Laptop Backpacks Buyer’s Guide

The Most Important Features to Consider

  1. Durability and Water-resistance
    You are going to want to make sure the laptop you purchase is exceptionally durable and made from sturdy materials, such as nylon and polyester. These materials should also add some tear-resistance, rip-resistance, and abrasion-resistance, in addition to overall durability. Being as how these backpacks are made to transport expensive laptop computers, you will also want to make sure that your preferred backpack offers some level of water-resistance, in case you get caught out in the rain during a commute or weekend trip.
  2. Maximum Capacity and Laptop Compartments
    The maximum capacity of your preferred backpack should be of paramount concern. Make sure there is plenty of internal space for not just your laptop, but for other items as well. To that end, look for models with dedicated pockets for water bottles, smartphones, wallets, and other necessary items. On the topic of laptop compartments, make sure the laptop you choose can easily fit your laptop, as some backpacks cannot accommodate 17-inch screens.
  3. Additional Features
    Modern laptop backpacks generally feature all kinds of additional features. Look for backpacks with anti-theft measures, such as lockable zippers, and those with RFID-blocking compartments to protect from identity theft and increase personal security. You may also want to consider a backpack that features USB charging ports, for keeping your gadgets filled with juice during travel. Backpacks also generally offer a number of carrying methods, for increased comfort.

Laptop Backpacks FAQs

What is the best laptop backpack?

The best laptop backpack is one that is comfortable to use while being made from durable and long-lasting materials. These excellent backpacks should also boast plenty of room for not just laptops, but for other daily essentials as well.

What makes a good laptop backpack?

First and foremost, you will want to make sure that the backpack you are thinking of purchasing can easily accommodate your laptop, via a dedicated laptop pocket. Some laptop compartments, though padded, are not designed to fit 17-inch screens and max out at 15 inches. Aside from that, look for a durable form factor, an aesthetically pleasing design, and plenty of pockets and compartments running throughout. You should also look for a comfortable to carry laptop bag with backpack straps and easy access front pockets.

Are laptop backpacks waterproof?

Not many laptop backpacks are fully waterproof, meaning they should be actually submerged in liquid. They are typically, however, highly water-resistant. This means that you should have no real trouble if you accidentally get caught in the rain or drop your backpack in a puddle.

Are laptop backpacks worth it?

Absolutely. A laptop can be a significant investment and modern laptop backpacks do a good job of protecting the said investment, via padded compartments and the like. They also function nicely when storing other necessary items, thanks to a variety of storage compartments, front compartments for smartphones, mesh pockets for water bottles, side pockets for battery packs, and zippered pockets for wallets.